Braxton Keith – Chase You Down Written By Adam Delahoussaye
The biggest mustache in country music continues to wax it to perfection, cleaning up that previous “love and leave” mantra now that he has his heart on the line. Thematically, his Blue EP seems to get closer and closer to the emotional root of the hue, and we get more exposure to his new normal. On “Chase You Down,” Keith is crooning about what’s been lost, analogizing the chase to the pain he’s subdued as long as the liquor store in his county is open on Sundays. He continues to have a neo-90s coating to his voice and studio presence, coupled with a voice that screams modernity. There’s a familiarity that comes with Keith; his added twang at the end of big moments hints at something under the throwback facade he’s been mastering his entire career. His nostalgia-ridden rise doesn’t feel nearly as on the nose as many of his counterparts, but the parity of sleaze and sorrow suggests that he knows both roads like the back of his hand. The big question remains as to which one he’ll end up running down or if they’re even one-way streets.
7.8
Caiden Wallace – Don’t Call Written By Joel Reuben Pauley
As another year ends, you may ask yourself, “Will country artists ever escape the smell of their ex-lover’s perfume?” In his latest single, “Don’t Call,” Caiden Wallace keeps the timeless undying alive. The story of this song follows the familiar trope of the “gone before the morning sun” fling, highlighting the emptiness that comes with his “situationship.” Wallace doesn’t need to use fancy writing or wordplay to explain these emotions and instead expresses them more raw and earnestly. With lyrics like “You can’t seem to love me, but you can’t seem to set me free,” Caiden clearly feels used. Beginning with an intro similar to “I Can’t Breathe” by Parker McCollum, the heartfelt piano lays the groundwork for the song. With six single releases under his belt, Caiden Wallace keeps things strictly country. As we move into 2025, perhaps a project that shows a greater glimpse into who Caiden is as a person could catalyze his career. As for right now, “Don’t Call” is a step in the right direction.
8.0
Low Gap – Say a Prayer Written By Joel Reuben Pauley
Today’s country music scene could use more Low Gap. “Purely written,” “sonically satisfying,” and “fresh” are all effective ways to describe their new track “Say a Prayer.” Although it’s a little more southern rock than what’s coming out of the mainstream, it fits right in with the sounds of artists like The Red Clay Strays, Wyatt Flores, and other artists in the more alternative space of the genre. Opening with a tasteful combination of guitar and mandolin, the song speaks to feelings of detachment from core values like church and family. There’s something special about how Low Gap lays out this kind of vulnerable message without letting the song lose its energy. What they’ve made here is a top-tier sad boy banger.
8.4
Austin Michael – TX or TN Written By Joel Reuben Pauley
All you need to hear is a lyric like “I love the Lone-Star State where cowboys are made, but I want my songs on the radio someday” to get hooked on Austin Michael. Michael’s voice is also straight-up ear candy, and it makes a lot of sense that he made it to American Idol. Before you get that industry plant image in your head, consider his Texas roots and give him a chance. His new single, “TX or TN,” is a beautiful song that expresses his desire to pursue a career in Nashville as an artist despite not wanting to leave his home in Texas. While the production leans more into a Nashville-ready pop-country sound, it suits Michael’s voice and doesn’t distract listeners from what he’s trying to convey. Although Texas is full of fantastic music, with much coming from the red dirt scene, Michael knows that Nashville is the place to go for success on country radio charts, leaving him with a tough decision.
6.9
